A work placement at Marsascalaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training
centre for persons with disability

172 MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14

A work placement at Marsascalaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training
centre for persons with disability

172 MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14

institute of

community
Institute of
services
The Institute of Community Services offers vocational
programmes in hair and beauty care, in health and social
care, sports, as well as early childhood education. With a wide
selection of courses ranging from MQF Level 1 to Level 6, and
depending on the MCAST approved progression rules, you are
able to progress from one level to another while maintaining
the flexibility to change your career orientation as you
advance in your studies. Our courses focus on assessed work
placements to ensure that you get the adequate opportunities
to put into practice the principles and techniques learnt during
lectures.
MCAST Institute of Community Services
Main Campus, Triq Kordin, Paola PLA 9032
00356 2398 7550
00356 2398 7590
E ics@mcast.edu.mt
@
Director: Ms Tatjana Chircop
Deputy Directors: Ms Claire Flores, Mr Patrick Galea

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My dream is to play football abroad and
to learn as much as I can about sports.
Eventually, through a career in coaching,
I would love to pass on my sports
experiences and all that I am learning
now to other children and young people,
helping them succeed in their chosen
discipline.

“At MCAST, I benefited from a system of
learning by doing, with the support of
lecturers and support staff who really
cared for us. Now that I am teaching
children myself, I keep in mind a very
important lesson I learnt during my
studies – you may forget what teachers
may have told you in class, but you’ll
never forget how they cared for you.”

Francesca Agius-Vadalà
MCAST-BTEC National Diploma
in Children’s Care, Learning and Development,
Kindergarten Teacher at San Anton School

MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14 177

â&#x20AC;&#x153;At MCAST, lecturers give us ample
individual attention to help us firmly grasp
the techniques used in our line of work.
Often, we are offered opportunities to
practise our skills for a good cause. I will
never forget the day when we held a face
painting event for children to raise funds
for people in need.â&#x20AC;?

Francesca Bugeja
First year student,
ITEC Diploma in Holistic Massage,
Diploma in Facial Electrical Treatments,
Diploma in Diet and Nutrition for
Complementary Therapists

178 MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14

“During my studies at MCAST, I didn’t
simply learn about hairdressing. The
lecturers emphasised the importance
of being professional, paying particular
attention to client satisfaction and
rigorously following safety precautions
at all times. These values are essential
requirements to succeed in the fashion
industry.”

Course duration: 1 year full-time
Fees: Not applicable
Entry requirements:
FiNished Compulsory eduCatioN
Other entry requirements:
initial assessment tests and interview
At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. state the role of a carer within different
work environments
2. Communicate with service users in a
respectful manner
3. demonstrate basic care skills within
different work environments
4. perform basic first aid.

180 MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14

1
more info: www.mcast.edu.mt/130901

the level one introductory Certificate in Care is
aimed at those students who still need a further
understanding of the Key skills requirements at
this level. the students will be able to focus on
two study units which specifically pertain to the
studies in care, namely introduction to Care and
Care skills.

you will have the opportunity to visit care
settings as part of your course programme. this
course serves as the most basic introduction to
the area of care and students need to complete
the mCast Foundation Certificate in Care - level
2 as well as the mCast-BteC diploma in health
and social Care in order to be able to work as
carers.

the programme provides an opportunity to
school leavers in possession of the school
leaving Certificate to follow a structured
programme of study in an area which is close to
their interests.
the programme offers students the opportunity
of obtaining work experience. this helps
students get a better idea of the nature of this
calling. this course provides the basic skills
necessary for further training.
you will be required to sit for tests in maltese,
english and mathematics. Following these tests,
mCast shall draw up a list of those who are
found to require significant help in their studies.
these learners will stand to benefit by joining
the introductory Certificate in Care course at
level 1 instead. this is a one-year course which
is intended to help the students to progress to
level 2 courses the following year.

Course duration: 1 year full-time
Fees: Not applicable
Entry requirements:
mCast iNtroduCtory CertiFiCate
or
FiNished Compulsory eduCatioN
Other entry requirements:
initial assessment tests and interview
At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. understand basic care principles
2. practise own proper personal care and
presentation
3. understand basic scientific principles
needed to be an effective carer
4. Work safely to protect yourself and
others within the care environment,
under supervision.

MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14 181

182 MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14

LEVEL

13/09/03

MCAST FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN HAIRDRESSING
– LEVEL 2

more info: www.mcast.edu.mt/130903

AWARDING BODY: MCAST

the hairdressing programme provides an
opportunity to school leavers in possession
of the school leaving Certificate to follow a
structured programme of study in an area which
is close to their interests.
the programme does not only consist of
vocational practice. it includes the study of key
skills which will also help you to get a better
idea of the nature of your preferred calling.
in other words, the course provides the basic
skills necessary for further training in the
hairdressing trade.

Course duration: 1 year full-time
Fees: Not applicable
Entry requirements:
mCast iNtroduCtory CertiFiCate
or
FiNished Compulsory eduCatioN
Other entry requirements:
initial assessment tests
applicants may be called for an interview.
At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. describe basic hair and scalp structures
2. practise proper own personal care and
presentation
3. demonstrate an understanding of
basic scientific principles relating to
hairdressing
4. Complete a range of basic tasks required
to assist a hairdresser.

MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14 183

LEVEL

13/09/04

MCAST FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN SPORT
- LEVEL 2

2
more info: www.mcast.edu.mt/130904

AWARDING BODY: MCAST

Course duration: 1 year full-time
Fees: Not applicable
Entry requirements:
mCast iNtroduCtory CertiFiCate
or
FiNished Compulsory eduCatioN
Other entry requirements:
initial assessment tests
medical Certificate
successful performance in the Fitness
test which includes :
30 metre sprint
sit and reach
Vertical jump
Beep test
agility test
parental consent is required if the student
is under the age of 18.
applicants are required to sign a consent
form prior to the Fitness test
At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. define and practise a healthy and
active lifestyle
2. explain exercise and fitness methods
and perform an exercise programme
3. plan and assist physical activity
sessions for children
4. identify and participate in a wide range
of major and minor sports

184 MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14

the Foundation Certificate in sport is the
ideal first step for school leavers with a special
interest in sports and physical activity. this
entry-level course provides the basic knowledge
and skills necessary to pursue further studies
in sports including fitness instruction, sports
development and sports coaching.
learners are introduced to the concept of
healthy living and active lifestyle. they are also
given the opportunity to describe and practise
a wide range of sports, physical activities
and exercise methods. learners are further
introduced to the unique physical activity
requirements of children and are given the
opportunity to assist in the delivery of sessions.

Course duration: 2 years full time
Fees: City & Guilds registration Fees
Entry requirements:
mCast FouNdatioN CertiFiCate
or
2 seC/o-leVel passes
preferred: english language, art, home
economics, Biology, physics, Chemistry,
General science
At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. Cut, style and colour different hair
varieties
2. manage a hairdressing salon reception
desk
3. manage client consultations
4. maintain health and safety standards
within a hairdressing salon.
Career opportunities:
hairdresser

186 MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14

more info: www.mcast.edu.mt/130905

this course leads to a City & Guilds diploma
(C&G 6902) which is designed for students
wanting to start working in a hair salon, or who
may want to work independently. the diploma
provides a wide range of theoretical and
practical skills in hairdressing.

such skills include shampooing, styling,
massaging, cutting, colouring and perming. you
will also learn to be aware of health and safety
issues as well as how to manage a hairdressing
reception. there is also the opportunity to
practise your skills both during salon sessions at
mCast as well as on your work placement.

this course leads to a City & Guilds diploma
(C&G 6902) which is designed for students
wanting to start working in a hair salon, or who
may want to work independently. the diploma
provides a wide range of theoretical and
practical skills in hairdressing.
such skills include shampooing, styling,
massaging, cutting, colouring and perming. you
will also learn to be aware of health and safety
issues as well as how to manage a hairdressing
reception. there is also the opportunity to
practise your skills both during salon sessions at
mCast as well as on your work placement.

this diploma course, designed for those wishing
to find employment within the beauty industry,
trains you to develop various skills, such as
manicure, pedicure, facial treatments, waxing
and make-up. you will study anatomy and
physiology as well as basic dietary requirements.

you will have the opportunity to practise your
skills in established salons as part of your work
experience. you will be expected to improve
your key skills which are indispensable if you
wish to progress successfully in the vocational
component of your studies.

Course duration: 1 year full-time
Fees: iteC registration Fees
Entry requirements:
mCast FouNdatioN CertiFiCate
or
2 seC/o-leVel passes
preferred: english language, art, home
economics, Biology and Chemistry
At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. use waxing techniques competently on
various parts of the body
2. apply facial make up and also facial care
routines
3. skilfully perform manicures and
pedicures
4. recall the anatomy and physiology
essentials for beauty specialists.
Career opportunities:
Beautician

MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14 189

LEVEL

13/09/07

MCAST-BTEC DIPLOMA IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
3
more info: www.mcast.edu.mt/130907

this diploma course provides the knowledge
and skills required at an operational level in
the care sector. the programme helps you to
progress to vocational qualifications in a variety
of sectors such as early childhood education,
social care and health.

you will be assigned work placements with
various service users in different settings.
among other skills, you will have special
sessions on moving and handling as well as
infection prevention and control.

as part of this programme, a key skills
programme complements the vocational units
so that students are given the opportunity
to develop competencies in subjects such
as english, maths, maltese, it and personal
development.

Course duration: 1 year full-time
the mCast-BteC diploma in sports (exercise
and Fitness) is designed for those who wish
to find employment within the sports sector.
the course equips you with the knowledge,
understanding and skills required for success in
employment in sport, such as that of a junior or
assistant.
you will be required to attend work placements
and practical sessions in a variety of settings.
if you complete the course successfully, you
may progress to the BteC extended diploma in
sports.
a key skills programme including english and
mathematics, is also offered alongside the
vocational component, in order to improve
your chances of success in this diploma and to
facilitate further study.

Fees: BteC registration Fees
Entry requirements:
mCast FouNdatioN CertiFiCate
or
2 seC/o-level passes
preferred: english, Biology, physical
education
Other entry requirements:
medical certificate
successful performance in the Fitness
test which includes:
30 metre sprint
sit and reach
Vertical jump
Beep test
agility test
parental consent is required if the student is
under the age of 18.
applicants are required to sign a consent
form prior to the Fitness test.
At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. practise one individual and one team
sport
2. understand the foundations of anatomy
and physiology
3. recall the basics of nutrition for sports
performance
4. interpret a fitness training programme.
Career opportunities:
assistant gym instructor

the diploma in diet and Nutrition will enable
you to recommend healthy eating habits in
order to improve health and lifestyle.
you will practise what you learn as well as
the skills you achieve in the Beauty specialist
diploma through salon experience sessions at
mCast. you will also be in a position to practise
these skills as part of your work placements
within established salons.

you will practise what you learn as well as
what you achieve during the Beauty specialist
diploma course through salon experience
sessions at mCast. you will also be in a position
to practise these skills as part of your work
placements within established salons.

it provides a holistic approach in that the
subjects covered are sociology, psychology,
communication studies, human biology and
law. it equips you with the skills and knowledge
which are of utmost importance in the care
sector.

Course duration: 2 years full-time
Fees: BteC registration Fees
Entry requirements:
mCast-BteC diploma iN health aNd
soCial Care
or
mCast diploma iN applied sCieNCe
- leVel 3
or
4 seC/o - leVel passes
preferred: maths, english language, maltese,
physics, Chemistry, social studies, Nutrition
Food Consumer studies (home economics),
Biology
At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. provide a safe environment for adults
and children
2. deal with challenging behaviour
3. use effective communication in health
and social care settings
4. use different psychological perspectives
when dealing with clients
Career opportunities:
social support worker

MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14 195

Every year, MCAST sport students travel abroad to experience
different sports activities. This student is trying out high ropes
in the Dolomites, Italy
196 MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14

Course duration: 2 years full-time
Fees: BteC registration Fees
the mCast BteC extended diploma in sports
(development, Coaching and Fitness) has been
developed to meet the growing employment
opportunities within the sport and leisure
industry.

applicants are required to sign a consent
form prior to the Fitness test.
At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. practise two individual sports and two
team sports
2. assess a variety of risks in different sport
events
3. organise a range of sports events
4. develop fitness and exercise programmes.
Career opportunities:
Gym instructor
Coach
sports development officer

MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14 197

LEVEL

13/09/12

MCAST-BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN CHILDREN’S PLAY,
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

more info: www.mcast.edu.mt/130912

AWARDING BODY: MCAST-BTEC

Course duration: 2 years full-time
Fees: BteC registration Fees
Entry requirements:
mCast-BteC diploma iN health aNd
soCial Care
or
4 seC/o-leVel passes
Compulsory: english language, maltese
and mathematics
At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. plan activities for babies, toddlers and
children 3 to 5 years old
2. maintain health and safety standards in
childcare and kindergarten settings
3. implement activities and construct
resources for children aged 0 to 5
4. monitor and record the development of
children aged 0 to 5.
Career opportunities:
Child care worker

198 MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14

4

this course is designed to enable students to
work in a professional capacity with children
in child care and kindergarten centres. the
qualification provides the skills, knowledge
and understanding required in an early years
environment.
students are exposed to the most innovative
teaching techniques and are also trained on
observation techniques required to monitor the
development of children.
there is a major emphasis on the practical
components carried out in this course. in fact
there are four different placements, namely:
with a baby (age 0-18 months), with a group of
toddlers (ages 19-23 months) and with both 3
year olds and 4 year olds in kindergartens.
students must possess a clean, full conduct
certificate.

Course duration: 2 years full-time
Fees: BteC registration Fees
Entry requirements:
mCast-BteC NatioNal diploma iN
ChildreN’s Care, learNiNG aNd
deVelopmeNt and seC/o-leVel passes
in mathematics, english and maltese
or
2 a-leVel passes aNd 2 i-leVel passes
Compulsory a-level or i-level: mathematics,
english and maltese
At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. Conduct research in child care,
kindergarten settings and primary
schools
2. maintain health and safety standards in
child care and kindergarten settings
3. manage child care centre settings
4. develop lessons for children aged
0 - 7 years.
Career opportunities:
Child care centre manager

200 MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14

5

the mCast-BteC higher National diploma
in advanced studies in early years has
been designed to equip students with the
underpinning knowledge, understanding
and skills for success in employment within
child care centres, kindergarten settings and
preparation for primary schools.
it provides specialist studies relevant to
pedagogy, developmental psychology and also
skills required for the management of child care
settings.
the programme is also designed to develop
skills and techniques as well as personal
qualities and attitudes which are essential for
successful performance in working life, thereby
enabling learners to make an immediate
contribution within the field.
students must possess a clean, full conduct
certificate.

as part of your training, you will be able to
participate in work placements under the
supervision of experienced managers in related
settings. the units chosen for this course will
prepare you to further develop your studies by
joining the Ba (hons) in health and social Care
(management).

those who apply for this course would normally
have worked in voluntary organisations or
would have had various work placements and
would have experienced practice in various
health and social care settings.

human ecology, accounts, economics will
also be considered as preferred subjects.

seC/o-leVel pass in english language will be
mandatory.

At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. Conduct research in the health and
social care field
2. maintain health and safety standards in
health and social care settings
3. assisting in the management of health
and social care setting and programmes
4. analyse and evaluate the theoretical
concepts of legislation, social policy and
care standards in the health and social
care settings
Career opportunities:
Administrative and operational posts in
various care settings/programmes
MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14 201

LEVEL

13/09/15

BACHELOR OF ARTS (HONOURS) IN HEALTH
AND SOCIAL CARE (MANAGEMENT)
AWARDING BODY: MCAST IN COLLABORATION WITH FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT

Course duration: 1 year full-time
Fees: Not applicable
Entry requirements:
mCast-BteC hiGher NatioNal diploma iN
health aNd soCial Care (maNaGemeNt)
Further details are available under the section
“applications for mCast Vocational degrees”
At the end of the programme,
you will be able to:
1. Conduct research in relation to health and
social care management topics
2. administrative and manage a care setting/
programme
3. ensure quality in health and social care
settings
4. evaluate current social policy and related
issues.
Career opportunities:
posts in management and administration
in the care sector

202 MCAST PROSPECTUS 2013/14

6
more info: www.mcast.edu.mt/130915

the degree programme provides students
with the managerial competences which are
required for those who intend to manage care
settings and to be involved in the social policy
field.